Giac Lam Pagoda
Built in 1744, Giac Lam Pagoda is one of the oldest pagodas in Ho Chi Minh City. Giac Lam Pagoda is located at 118 Lac Long Quan Street, Tan Binh District.
Location & History
Constructed in 1744 by Chinese settler Ly Thuy Long, Giac Lam Pagoda transitioned into a Buddhist temple in 1772 under the guidance of its first abbot, Thich Vien Quang. Now over 280 years old, Giac Lam Pagoda stands as one of Ho Chi Minh City's oldest Buddhist temples, preserving valuable antiques and embodying significant cultural, historical, and architectural heritage. The temple is located in District 11, approximately a 20-minute drive from the city center.
For visitors unfamiliar with the city's streets, taking a taxi is recommended for a more straightforward journey.
Photo: guidevietnam.org
What to see
The grand hall of the temple showcases traditional Asian architectural elements, integrating aspects of Taoism and Buddhist cosmology, evidenced by the intricate Bagua ceiling. Within the temple, there are up to 113 statues, predominantly crafted from wood, with only a small number, eight, made from bronze. As a Theravada Buddhist temple, Giac Lam Pagoda also honors Bodhisattvas and the Eighteen Arhats.
Furthermore, the temple pays homage to various Goddesses from Vietnamese folk religion, creating a diverse tapestry of worship practices. However, the central focus remains on Buddha. A notable feature of Giac Lam Pagoda is its multi-storey stupa, which houses sacred Buddhist relics. During your visit, make sure to ascend to the 7th floor to receive blessings from these revered relics in this historic temple.
Photo: saigonlocaltour.com 
Photo: asiaopentours.net
How To Get There
There are multiple transportation options available to reach Giac Lam Pagoda, including taxi, motorbike, or bus (for more details, refer to the guide on Ho Chi Minh City public transport). If you prefer to travel by bus, board Bus No. 27 at Ben Thanh Bus Station and disembark at the intersection of Lac Long Quan and Au Co. From there, you'll find your way to Giac Lam Pagoda with ease.
Useful Information
- Location: Lac Long Quan Str., Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City
- Best for: Family, couple, solo
- Entrance: Free
- Hours: 8:00AM - 5:00PM
- Distance to city center: 4.8km (3.0 mi)
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